THE
ESSENTIALS Your guide to success at the University of Newcastle newcastle.edu.au/new-students
CONGRATULATIONS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE We are excited that you are now part of the University of Newcastle and we know that during your studies you will be presented with opportunities to change your own life and make a difference to people in the communities we serve.
University life will be both challenging and rewarding. We will be with you every step of the way to support your success but remember, the best students make the most of all that is on offer both inside and outside the classroom.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE This guide has been put together by students and staff to share our knowledge. It is a handy reference booklet that contains hints, tips and information to put yourself on the track to success throughout your time at uni. The guide is organised to highlight the different elements of your university experience – academic, social, personal and professional success. Look for these symbols throughout this guide: A handy tip for success
The best keywords to search for more info on the University of Newcastle website newcastle.edu.au
CONTENTS GETTING STARTED 6 ACADEMIC ESSENTIALS 12 SOCIAL AND PERSONAL ESSENTIALS 18 PROFESSIONAL ESSENTIALS 22 ADMIN ESSENTIALS 25
4 | The Essentials
ONLINE STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE University of Newcastle online learning puts you in control of your own study and development. Our virtual learning environment allows you to decide where and when to study, while still engaging with the same coursework and obtaining the same industry-relevant qualifications as your peers studying on campus.
At the University of Newcastle, interactive online learning means you have access to: • Lectures, course videos and content designed by skilled academic practitioners • Tutors experienced in online delivery, as well as the ability to collaborate with fellow classmates in real time • Our online learning management system, Blackboard, which will help organise your study. On Blackboard, you will find course outlines, reading lists and other relevant learning material, assessments, assignments and feedback/grades, as well as interactive material. • Discussion with your peers and tutors – both in real time and on chat boards • Our library’s wide variety of online resources. What’s more, whether you live nearby or just have a chance to visit, you have the same level of access to all of our campus facilities as your peers – so don’t be a stranger!
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GETTING STARTED
1. GETTING STARTED CONNECT WITH US ONLINE NDERSTANDING U YOUR PROGRAM ACADEMIC CALENDAR ORIENTATION
6 | The Essentials
ACTIVATE YOUR ACCOUNT
MYUON
Firstly, you must activate your NUaccess account to use the University computers, system or online services. This can be done from any computer using your Student Number, Date of Birth as DD/MM/YYYY and Program Code.
This is your gateway to your essential uni tools.. Access NUmail, UONline (including Blackboard), CareerHub, myHub, UONPrint, MyLibrary and more.
LOGGING IN TO YOUR ACCOUNT Once your NUaccess account has been activated you can login using your student number prefaced by a ‘c’ e.g. c1234567. If you don’t know your password or are having trouble logging in for the first time then you can get IT help through the 17triplezero IT Service Desk
(02) 4921 7000.
WI-FI ACCESS If you have to come to campus, the University offers good wi-fi access both indoors and outdoors. Check online for wi-fi hotspots. To set up your own device on the University’s wireless network: • Open the wi-fi settings on your device • Select the newcastle.edu.au option. Select CONNECT
GETTING STARTED
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE
‘myUON’
MYHUB This is where you will enrol in your courses, update your personal details, pay fees and view your financial records, timetable, academic transcript and any scholarships you may have. You can also check your weekly schedule here.
‘myHub’
FYI: You have access to free digital downloads of Microsoft Office 365 plus 1TB of cloud storage. www.newcastle.edu.au/student-advantage
• Enter your Student-ID and password. Select OK • After a few seconds, the status will show as connected.
‘wireless access’
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GETTING STARTED
UONLINE The University’s virtual learning environment that provides access to online teaching technologies. • Blackboard: Here you’ll find course outlines, assessment requirements, lecture recordings, grades, submission options for electronic versions of assessments, discussion boards and more. At the start of each semester the courses you have enrolled in will be automatically added to your Blackboard – visible under ‘My Course Sites’. • UONCapture is where you can access recordings of past lectures as a study revision tool. • Turnitin is where you will submit your assignments electronically. Turnitin uses text-matching software to help you reference correctly and avoid plagiarism and academic misconduct.
STUDENT EMAIL NUmail is our student email service and is automatically set up when you enrol. The University will send important information to this email address, so make sure you check it regularly. You can access NUmail through myUON. You may also forward all emails from your student account to your personal email. Check the settings in Outlook for how to do this. For more information: askuon.newcastle.edu.au and search ‘preferred email’. FYI: Always remember to include your full name and student number in your emails to help staff identify you quickly and easily.
8 | The Essentials
FYI: Make sure to check out ‘Other course sites’ on Blackboard for online study skills courses.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND OTHER DIGITAL COMMUNICATION Student Central – your first point of call for all things student related – communicates across a range of channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Make sure you get involved to keep up-to-date with the latest details. Search “UON Student Central” on your favourite social channel. We also support AskUON – the online knowledge base that you can search for answers anytime – and offer online chat if that’s how you’d prefer to get help and advice.
MOBILE APPS There are a number of useful University of Newcastle apps that you may wish to download onto your mobile device – myUON, Blackboard and UON Living. Other apps of interest to students include Uni Tune In for study help, Liftango for finding a rideshare to uni and Opal Travel for public transport details.
FYI: Some of the best advice comes from other students and the UON Navigator - www.uonnavigator.com is an exciting way to discover blog articles and videos produced by our many talented students.
GETTING STARTED
UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROGRAM Student Number: The University ID number (7 digits) on your student card that you will use throughout your University studies including for login and identification on assessments.
course at the beginning of semester and tells you how the course will be taught – lectures, workshops, tutorials, laboratories, etc. Find it on each course page in Blackboard.
Student Card: A form of University photo
Program Plan: Outlines the courses you
ID that you will need to borrow books from the library, register attendance at events and score great student discounts.
should be enrolled in for each semester and any pre-requisites or assumed knowledge you may need.
As well as uploading a photo that meets our requirements, you must also upload documentation verifying your identity. Acceptable documents are: current drivers licence, current passport or current proof of age card. All documents must be certified by a registered Justice of the Peace. Your student card will then be posted to your mailing address.
Grading Scale: The University uses
‘student ID card’
a seven point grading scale, where a High Distinction (7) is the highest grade awarded and a Pass (4) is a passing grade.
Full-Time Enrolment: A minimum of 30 units per semester, unless you are an international student. International students need to maintain 40 units per semester unless otherwise approved.
Part-Time Enrolment: 10 or 20 units of study per semester.
Program: The degree you are studying, e.g. Bachelor of Arts.
Visit our online glossary for a complete listing at
Course: A subject. The program you are
newcastle.edu.au/glossary
studying has a designated set of courses you must successfully complete to graduate. Each course has a unit value – usually 10 or 20 units.
Course Outline: A document outlining the learning outcomes, assessments and expectations for a course. It’s one of the first things students receive for each
FYI: Stay on track to graduate – find your program plan in AskUON and follow it when enrolling. If you need advice about your program requirements you can email programadvice@newcastle.edu.au
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GETTING STARTED
ACADEMIC CALENDAR For most students, the academic year will consist of Semesters 1 and 2. Each semester consists of 13 weeks, broken up with a mid-semester break and the exam period at the end.
ENROLMENT
FIRST WEEKS
ORIENTATION
UNI BREAK
FIRST ASSESSMENT DUE
MAKE FRIENDS
CENSUS DATE
ACADEMIC PENALTY DATE
FINAL ASSESSMENTS
RESULTS
EXAMS
CENSUS DATE
ACADEMIC PENALTY DATE
The date by which you need to finalise enrolment requirements each semester.
The date by which you need to withdraw from courses without affecting your grade.
‘census date’
10 | The Essentials
‘key dates’
GETTING STARTED
ORIENTATION WHAT HAPPENS AT ORIENTATION
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND
Orientation is prior to the start of semester and a great way to find out everything you need to know about uni life and being a University of Newcastle student. If you live close to one of our campuses, please come along to the on-campus Orientation.
Attending Orientation is a great opportunity to meet staff and students who will be taking your journey with you. Workshops are on offer to help you develop your academic skills and make you familiar with our online systems, plus there are plenty of social opportunities to meet some new people and make some friends.
During this week your degree will have a specific Orientation Day but you’re also welcome to attend any or all of the other days as well. There is free entertainment across our campuses including live music, free food, roving entertainers, and information from clubs and other groups. Check out the schedule online.
‘orientation’
ONLINE ORIENTATION We also have online Orientation sessions if you are too far away to attend in person, or have other commitments. Our online sessions (for undergraduate and postgraduate students) introduce you to the University systems, your Programs and how to be successful from a distance.
FYI: students who attend Orientation are better informed and more likely to succeed in their first semester than those who don’t.
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ACADEMIC
2. ACADEMIC ESSENTIALS C HOOSING YOUR CLASSES AND ENROLLING T EXTBOOKS AND COURSE READERS D EVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC SKILLS L IBRARY A CADEMIC SUCCESS
12 | The Essentials
Before you enrol, check your Program Plan on AskUON to see what courses you need to study each semester. Click on the course links in the plan or take a look at the Program Handbook to find out specific information about each course, including the required contact hours.
When enrolment opens you will be able to enrol online through myHub.
‘enrol’
FYI: Block out weekly study time for each of your courses. Be prepared to spend around 10 hours per week per 10-unit course (including your class time).
TEXTBOOKS AND COURSE READERS Your Course Outline can be found in Blackboard, and will list the required textbooks and course readers you may need. Textbooks can be purchased at The School Locker and Course Readers are available at UONline (Blackboard).
• For second-hand books, check out Textbook Exchange – The University of Newcastle Facebook page for textbooks from other UON students, or try the national
Student VIP Textbooks Exchange. • Textbooks and course readings
are also available in the University libraries (often online).
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ACADEMIC
CHOOSING YOUR CLASSES AND ENROLLING
ACADEMIC
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC SKILLS The University of Newcastle offers a large range of free resources to help you prepare and succeed academically.
ACADEMIC SURVIVAL SKILLS ONLINE Academic Survival Skills Online is a great way to prepare yourself to think, read and write like a university student. Through step-by-step online modules you will learn to make sense of uni texts and lectures, plan and write an academic essay, understand referencing and academic integrity and use online libraries for research.
‘Academic Survival Skills Online’
PREPARATION AND BRIDGING COURSES Prep courses are designed to improve your academic skills and refresh your knowledge prior to commencing your degree. They cover a range of areas including mathematics, statistics, linguistics, grammar, computers, chemistry and human biology. Courses generally run for 15 hours over one week and some are even offered online.
‘UON Prep’ FYI: UON Prep and Bridging Courses are free for University of Newcastle students.
14 | The Essentials
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE All students must uphold the University’s five values of academic integrity while studying at the University of Newcastle: Honesty, Fairness, Trust, Responsibility and Respect. To help students avoid plagiarism and academic fraud and to uphold academic integrity, all new students must complete an Academic Integrity Module before the end of their first term of study. The module is a 30-minute test completed in UONline.
ACADEMIC LEARNING SUPPORT The Academic Learning Support team are there to support your study. Dedicated Learning Advisers can provide help with essay writing, study skills, English language skills, and mathematics and statistics. Self-help resources, phone and Skype consultations, as well as eConsultations are available to prepare you for uni success.
‘Learning Development’
INDIGENOUS LEARNING SUPPORT The Wollotuka Institute offers learning support for Indigenous students.
‘Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme’
ACADEMIC SUCCESS Skills for Learning and Life goes beyond academic preparation to give you an insight into the different aspects of university life. Through the course you will set goals, understand what independent learning is and discover how to engage with your university. The online modules also cover effective time management, staying motivated and how to develop academic skills so that your time at uni is as fulfilling and successful as possible.
‘Academic Success’
PEER ASSISTED STUDY SESSIONS (PASS) AND ONLINE PASS (OPASS) The PASS program gives students the opportunity to discuss course content, compare notes and review weekly material with other students. FYI: One hour of group study with PASS equals three hours of studying on your own. A student PASS leader who has achieved high marks in their course runs the sessions. OPASS is online and accessed through Blackboard.
‘PASS’
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ACADEMIC
FYI: ‘Uni Tune In’ is a free app designed to help university students improve their study and academic skills.
ACADEMIC
LIBRARY No matter which campus you study at, you will have access to more than 1.3 million items including 380,000 books and eBooks, and over 80,000 electronic journals. Becoming familiar with the Library and the wide variety of resources it offers is essential. The Library website provides information on borrowing books, accessing journals in online databases and referencing. The Library also provides a number of tutorials to assist you in accessing a range of online resources.
16 | The Essentials
LEARNING TO USE THE LIBRARY IS AN ESSENTIAL UNI SKILL,
SO GET IN EARLY TO FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THE LIBRARY.
FYI: There are plenty of ways for you to have personal interactions with the Library staff, including Library Live – a 30-minute face-to-face online session – as well as via email and text - 0427 089 224 For further details, head to the Library’s Help and Information page.
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC SUCCESS 1 MANAGE YOUR TIME G et a wall planner You can get a free University of Newcastle planner at Orientation or from Student Central. A diary will also help to manage your goals. G o to class. Stay on top of your weekly workload. By actively engaging with your tutor and peers in critical discussion, you’re more likely to get a grasp on difficult content.
chedule study time when you are S most alert and set up a dedicated study space at home. ry to finish assessments at least one T week before their due date, leaving you time to review and pick up on any mistakes or seek help. aintain balance by making time for M family, friends, rest and relaxation.
S tay focused. Full-time university study is like a full-time job. Prioritise study over other activities until you adjust.
2 BE PROACTIVE T ake responsibility for your journey
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
C omplete online Orientation
Make sure you ask questions so you understand what you’re learning. Teaching staff are there to help you succeed.
ake advantage of opportunities to T develop your skills. L ook for personal development opportunities outside the classroom.
3 SET UP A SUPPORT NETWORK M ake friends with your classmates. G et to know your academics – they’re a valuable source of support and guidance.
F ind the support services. If in doubt, Student Central is your first port of call.
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SOCIAL & PERSONAL
3. SOCIAL & PERSONAL ESSENTIALS GET CONNECTED CLUBS AND SOCIETIES UNSA YOUR WELLBEING FINANCIAL SURVIVAL
18 | The Essentials
CREATE A COMMUNITY Even if you’re studying at home or attending online, your time at the University of Newcastle is a wonderful time to expand your horizons, start creating a professional network, and make new friends. You may not have as much face-to-face timewith your peers, lecturers and course coordinators, but with modern technology, there are more opportunities than ever to create a thriving community within your course.
BE AN ACTIVE LEARNER While there are not set times to ‘attend’ class, there are still opportunities to engage with your classmates via forums. Got a question? Ask it! Know an answer? Share it! Have an opinion? Express it! The engagement won’t always be immediate, but you can still learn actively and engage with your cohort.
Visit the University website and check out the social media directory to stay connected on your platform of choice, check in with the Community Engagement page to see if there are events being held near you, and find out how the University is making a difference in the world at large through the newsroom.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Joining a club or society is a great way to make new friends and get involved in campus life. There are over 100 clubs on campus with something for everyone, from sporting, social and cultural to religious and everything in between. Be sure to check them out!
‘club and societies’
PEER MENTORS A Peer Mentor can help show you the ropes and help you settle in. Whether you need assistance with managing the load, are having trouble finding your feet on campus, or feel that a friendly face might make your life a little easier, a Mentor can help you ease into your time at University. Request a Peer Mentor here.
GET INVOLVED WITH THE BROADER UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY The University of Newcastle is an enormous, thriving community, with thousands of members of staff, tens of thousands of current students, and over 140,000 alumni. Now you’re part of that community – so make the most of it!
FYI: If your program has its own society, sign up. It’s a sure way to make friends with people studying in the same area.
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (UNSA) UNSA is the University’s association for all students. It enhances the student experience by providing representation, advocacy and social and cultural activities.
‘UNSA’
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SOCIAL & PERSONAL
GET CONNECTED
SOCIAL & PERSONAL
YOUR WELLBEING STUDENT PROGRESS ADVISORS
LGBTIQA+ SUPPORT
Student Central’s Student Progress Advisors help you access all of the University’s support services. They can help create an individualised plan aimed at helping you succeed in your studies. They can also provide direction on your enrolment and will check in with you to ensure you’re staying on track for success.
The University has an ALLY network comprised of students and staff. The ALLY network raises awareness of LGBTIQA+ issues on campus and promotes a welcoming, diverse and inclusive culture at the University of Newcastle.
‘student progress advisors’
ACCESSABILITY If you live with disability, or have an injury or a health condition (permanent, temporary, episodic or fluctuating) that may affect your ability to study, register with AccessAbility for free, confidential advice. Services include: • Assistive technology support • Advocacy • Auslan • Exam support
‘ALLY’
EQUITY AND DIVERSITY The Equity and Diversity Coordinator provides support and advice to students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
INDIGENOUS SUPPORT Wollotuka is the University’s Indigenous cultural and academic centre and offers a range of support for Indigenous students.
‘Wollotuka’
CHAPLAINCY
CONSENT MATTERS
The University chaplains are experienced, credentialed religious workers who are authorised by their faith tradition to provide support and guidance. You do not need to be part of a religious group to receive support from the chaplains.
This online course is designed to help you understand how to seek consent, recognise it and identify situations where it can’t be given. Access the course via UONline and select ‘CONSENT MATTERS’ under My Other Sites.
‘chaplaincy’
It is compulsory to have completed the module by the end of your first term of study.
FYI: For advice and guides on how to stay on top of your all-round wellbeing– including maintaining good nutrition, staying safe sexually, and setting up a comfortable and healthy study environment – check out our health, counselling and wellbeing page 20 | The Essentials
SOCIAL & PERSONAL
MANAGING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Your mental health should always be a priority. The University of Newcastle provides free and confidential online counselling for personal or study related issues. You can also access drop-in sessions via Skype messaging – no appointment is necessary. Student Support Advisors -Health and Wellbeing can help with
questions or concerns and connect you to the right people, including disability support (known as AccessAbility) and student loans. An after-hours crisis support phone line is available as well, on 1300 653 007.
‘counselling’
FINANCIAL SURVIVAL Living on a student income can be tricky at times. You will need to make a budget and learn how to stick to it, but we can help. If you need financial support, consider:
• Seeking advice from Student Central • Applying for a scholarship • Applying for a student loan
‘financial wellbeing’
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PROFESSIONAL
4. PROFESSIONAL ESSENTIALS BUILD YOUR EMPLOYABILITY THE CAREERS SERVICE CAREERHUB iLEAD PLUS STUDENT EXCHANGE STUDENT GOVERNANCE
22 | The Essentials
BUILD YOUR EMPLOYABILITY
CAREERHUB
Getting a job after uni and starting your dream career is a key goal and something that can motivate you throughout your studies. Students who work part-time during their studies develop valuable skills and are more likely to gain employment after graduation. Working and studying are complementary and Student Central can help you ensure your time commitments are manageable.
The CareerHub job search site advertises casual, part-time and permanent jobs, work experience, graduate programs and volunteering opportunities.
THE CAREERS SERVICE The Careers Service team can help you find part-time work and build the skills you need to enter your chosen profession or industry. They offer a free online resumé checking service and can also answer your career questions – send them through via the ‘Ask a Question’ section of CareerHub, or phone the team on (02) 4921 5588. They will call you back for a phone or Skype consultation. The Careers page on the Uni website also has a range of help sheets on topics like how to ace an interview and what should be included in a resumé.
‘careers’
‘CareerHub’
iLEAD PLUS The iLead Plus program is designed to empower our most future-focused students. iLead Plus scholars draw from diverse experiences and are determined to inspire others — driving to extraordinary outcomes. The program is tailored to your unique leadership goals, and both expands and deepens your connections to the University’s global network of alumni. Build the skills, traits and perspectives you need to be the leader of tomorrow.
‘iLEAD Plus’
FYI: iLEAD Plus participants are eligible for travel grants, scholarships, complimentary insurance and interest free loans when travelling overseas for study.
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PROFESSIONAL
YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE
PROFESSIONAL
STUDENT EXCHANGE Also referred to as ‘student mobility’, studying or participating in a volunteer opportunity overseas is an enriching experience that yields both personal and career benefits.
‘study overseas’
STUDENT GOVERNANCE The University of Newcastle has a range of opportunities for students to become involved in governance bodies that contribute to the teaching, learning and business of the University. Joining such groups allows you to expand your network and can teach you valuable skills that make you more employable.
‘student governance’ 24 | The Essentials
FYI: Our students have access to a free online leadership skills course called Generation Governance.
WHERE TO FIND HELP
STUDENT POLICIES AND FORMS YOUR CONTACT DETAILS ARE YOU READY?
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ADMIN
5. ADMIN ESSENTIALS
ADMIN
WHERE TO FIND HELP
newcastle.edu.au/askuon 1300 AskUON Find the closest location to you
LOCATIONS
IT HELP DESK
STUDENT CENTRAL
IT Support can be contacted by reporting an issue online or via phone from Monday-Friday (University business days) 8am-6pm on 02 492 17000. IT can assist you with problems related to:
Student Central is the area of the University that focuses on student experience, support and services. We believe that the best student experience comes when students feel supported academically, personally, professionally and socially.
• Student email • Student accounts • Passwords
• Computers • Wireless networks • Downloading software
‘IT services’
Student Central provides services that ensure students can access everything they need for a successful, productive and rewarding university life. From financial, counselling and career support to student life, we’ve got you covered. Student Central can put you in contact with the right people and make sure all of your questions are answered.
STUDENT POLICIES AND FORMS The University has a range of different rules and policies that apply to both students and staff, including the Code of Conduct. The University’s Policy Library is available online. Find policies relating to students on the University website.
‘student policies’
YOUR CONTACT DETAILS 26 | The Essentials
There are also a range of student related forms and guides that are accessible from the University’s website, such as those needed to change your name or request leave from study.
‘student forms and guides’
You need to keep your contact details up to date in the University system. We need to be able to get in contact with you for important things like enrolment, fees, support and, when you get there, graduation. Keep your contact details up to date in myHub.
ADMIN
ARE YOU READY? We’ve covered a lot of information in this guide. Find out if you are ready for Day 1 by working through the checklist.
GET CONNECTED Activate student account
Like and follow the uni’s social media
Log in and get familiar with the University’s systems
Download uni apps
PREPARE ACADEMICALLY Review Program Plan Organise timetable Enrol in courses Read all course outlines Log in to Blackboard to review course materials before your first class
Complete the Academic Integrity Module Do a UON Prep course Get textbooks and course readers Check out the OPASS schedule
ADMIN BASICS U pload your photo and order your student card online.
Provide Tax File Number via myHub
Apply for an Opal Concession Card (if eligible)
Consent Matters course completion
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